
The Importance of Faith
11.
What does Christ say is required that our prayers for wisdom may
be answered? Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24.
NOTE.—" 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye re-
ceive them, and ye shall have them' There is a condition to this promise,—
that we pray according to the will of God. But it is the will of God to cleanse
us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. So
we may ask for these blessings, and believe that we receive them, and thank
God that we
have
received them."
"When we do not receive the very things we ask for, at the time we ask,
we are still to believe that the Lord hears, and that He will answer our
prayers. We are so erring and shortsighted that we sometimes ask for things
that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers
our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good,—that which
we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all
things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are
to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we
shall receive the blessing we need most. But to daim that prayer will always
be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is
presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good
thing from them that walk uprightly."—Steps
to Christ,
pages 55, 56, 100,
101.
12.
What may the wavering man expect from God? James 1:7.
NoTE.—"His promise is only to those who are willing to follow the Lord
wholly. God does not force the will of any; hence He cannot lead those who
are too proud to be taught, who are bent upon having their own way. Of the
double-minded man—he who seeks to follow his own will, while professing
to do the will of God—it is written, 'Let not that man think that he shall receive
anything of the Lord.'
"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 384.
13.
What is the wavering man called? What is his condition? Verse 8.
14.
How does instability affect the character? 2 Peter 2:14.
NoTE.—More often than not instability leads to outward transgression,
for the unstable man finds it extremely difficult to make a decision between
good and evil. His wavering attitude makes him especially susceptible to
temptation. The longer his weakness and indecision remain a part of his char-
acter, the more easily transgression follows as a natural result.
15.
What is possible to one who truly believes God? Mark 9:23.
NOTE.—"It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength
for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means
for subduing every evil trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong.
But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from
Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon
the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ.
He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men, is
still the same mighty Redeemer. Then grasp His promises as leaves from the
tree of life: 'Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out' As you come to
Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never
perish while you do this—never."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 65, 66,
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